Historic Village Residents Clash With Developers Over Sewage Capacity Issues

Michael

3 min read

Post on May 28, 2025

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Historic Village Residents Clash with Developers Over Sewage Capacity Issues

A simmering dispute in the charming historic village of Ashton-under-Lyne has erupted into a full-blown conflict, pitting long-term residents against ambitious developers over concerns about inadequate sewage capacity. The proposed construction of a large housing development on the outskirts of the village has ignited fierce opposition, with residents fearing the project will overwhelm the existing infrastructure and lead to widespread sewage problems.

The heart of the matter lies in the age and capacity of Ashton-under-Lyne's sewage system. Built decades ago, the network struggles to cope with current demand, leading to occasional overflows and backups even without the influx of new residents. Local residents argue that the proposed development, comprising over 200 new homes, will significantly exacerbate these existing issues, potentially resulting in environmental damage and impacting the quality of life for everyone in the village.

Residents Voice Concerns Over Sewage Overflow and Environmental Impact

"This isn't just about inconvenience; it's about protecting our environment and our health," says Margaret Davies, a lifelong Ashton-under-Lyne resident and spokesperson for the newly formed "Save Our Village" campaign group. "We've seen firsthand the impact of sewage overflows in the past. The developers need to demonstrate how they will mitigate the risk before a single brick is laid."

The group has presented a petition signed by over 800 villagers to the local council, urging them to reject the planning application until the developers can provide a comprehensive and satisfactory plan to address the sewage capacity concerns. They are particularly worried about the potential impact on the nearby River Tame, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Sewage overflows into the river could have devastating consequences for its delicate ecosystem.

Developers Respond, Assure Mitigation Plans are in Place

The developers, Oakwood Properties, have responded to the concerns, claiming that their plans include significant investment in upgrading the local sewage infrastructure. "We understand the concerns of the residents, and we have worked closely with the local water authority, United Utilities, to develop a robust mitigation strategy," said a spokesperson for Oakwood Properties. "This includes substantial investment in upgrading the existing sewage network to ensure sufficient capacity for the new development and beyond."

However, residents remain skeptical, demanding concrete evidence and independent verification of the proposed upgrades. They argue that simply stating plans are in place is insufficient and that a detailed, publicly available report outlining the specifics of the upgrade project is necessary to alleviate their fears.

The Council’s Delicate Balancing Act

The local council finds itself in a difficult position, needing to balance the need for new housing with the concerns of its residents. They have stated that they are carefully reviewing the planning application and the accompanying mitigation plan provided by Oakwood Properties. A final decision is expected within the next few weeks.

This situation highlights the crucial importance of thorough infrastructure planning alongside new housing developments, particularly in areas with existing capacity limitations. The Ashton-under-Lyne case serves as a stark reminder of the potential conflicts that can arise when development outpaces infrastructure upgrades.

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Keywords: Ashton-under-Lyne, sewage capacity, housing development, planning application, environmental impact, residents protest, Oakwood Properties, United Utilities, River Tame, SSSI, infrastructure upgrade, Save Our Village.